Rice University
School Overview
Rice University is located in Houston, TX, 77005, set within a urban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #17 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.
Admission to Rice University is exceptionally competitive. Only 8% of applicants are offered a place, putting it among the most selective schools in the nation. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1510-1570 and ACT scores of 34-35. Applications are due by Jan. 4, so students should plan their materials well in advance.
Rice University enrolls 4,789 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 64% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 87%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.
The most popular fields of study at Rice University include Computer and Information Sciences, General (13% of students, median early-career salary: $213,603), Biology/Biological Sciences, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $67,158), and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other (5% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.
The published tuition and fees are $65,475 per year. Room and board adds approximately $19,550. However, the average net price after financial aid is $15,091, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $71,698 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Rice University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.
Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Rice University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Rice University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.
Academics & Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- SAT Range: 1510-1570
- ACT Range: 34-35
- Graduation Rate (4yr): 87%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:01
- Classes Under 20: 64%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,789
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition & Fees: $65,475
- Food & Housing: $19,550
- Annual Cost: $15,091
- Avg Need-Based Aid: $71,698
- Application Deadline: Jan. 4
Official Website
College Rankings
Popular Majors
Rice University (Jones) Online MBA Program
Rice University (Jones), based in Houston, TX 77005, offers an online mba program that allows students to earn an accredited degree without relocating or leaving their current employment. The program delivers its curriculum through a modern digital learning platform, with recorded lectures, interactive assignments, and virtual collaboration tools that replicate the engagement of an on-campus experience.
Tuition is structured at $2,282 per credit hour, giving students a transparent and predictable way to budget their educational investment. The program currently enrolls 408 online students, a figure that speaks to both the demand for flexible education and the program's ability to deliver on its academic promises. Admissions follow a rolling deadline, meaning students can apply at any time and begin their studies when ready — an ideal structure for those whose timelines don't align with traditional academic calendars.
From the program: Tight-Knit Community, Big-City Opportunities Our size is one of our key differentiators. While we operate like a large, top-tier university, our smaller community allows you to build strong connections with professors and classmates — relationships that can evolve into meaningful career opportunities post-graduation. Online Program With In-Person Experiences Enjoy the flexibility of online learning with enriching in-person components: • Global Field Experience Optional seminars, intersessions and study abroad opportunities offered throughout the program help diversify your perspective and enhance your business skill set. • Residentials (Intensive Learning Experiences) Typically held on Rice’s Houston campus, these sessions include simulations, seminars, group projects and guided leadership exercises — bringing you face-to-face with peers, faculty and industry leaders. Seamless Integration With Campus Life • Online students are considered full members of the Rice community. • Participate in on-campus organizations and clubs. • Join a student organization specifically for Online MBA students. Career-Focused Learning and Support • Capstone Strategic Consulting Experience Apply your learning in a real-world consulting project. • Dedicated Career Advising Personalized support available to enrolled students. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem • Connect with Rice’s vibrant entrepreneurial community and resources. Flexible Academic Structure • Quarterly Intakes Choose the start time that fits your schedule. • Tailor Your MBA With Electives Customize your learning to align with your career goals. • Review Professor Videos Before Class Prepare ahead with recorded lectures and content. • Instructor-Led Live Classes Engage in real-time sessions through our online platform.
What Students Gain
Students enrolled in Rice University (Jones)'s online program gain more than a credential — they develop practical skills and professional knowledge that translate directly into career advancement. The asynchronous format means coursework can be completed around work schedules, family responsibilities, and other commitments, removing the barriers that prevent many qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. The per-credit pricing model means you only pay for the courses you take each term, allowing you to control the pace and cost of your degree simultaneously. Rice University (Jones) provides online students with the same academic standards, faculty expertise, and institutional resources as its on-campus programs, ensuring that your degree carries the same weight with employers and graduate schools. Support services — including academic advising, technical help, and career counseling — are available to distance learners throughout their enrollment, from orientation through commencement.
Cost & Enrollment
- Tuition/Credit: $2282.0
- Online Enrollment: 408
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Program Type: MBA
Online Program Contact
- Director of Admissions: Steve Summers
- Phone: (855) 842-8380
- Email: admissions@onlinebusiness.rice.edu
- Program Website →
- Admissions Website →